Looking for recommendations on which new keyboard I should buy

[ttemt34]

Hi, everyone!

Recently, my old keyboard has stopped working and now I'm looking to buy a new one.

I haven't been keeping up with mechanical keyboards for quite a few years so I could use some guidance here.

I'm looking for a new keyboard with the following requirements:

• Mechanical
• Wired
• Full-size/TKL/≥75%
• No gaming gimmicks or other unnecessary space clutter (e.g. media control keys, macro-programmable keys, etc.)
• Budget up to $200 (can stretch a bit if worth it).

No preference for key switch type, backlighting, or brand.

Emphasis primarily on durability/long-term use (i.e. something with good build quality).

When it comes to my use case, I mainly use my keyboard for general tasks like web browsing and everyday typing (e.g. forums and document editing).

While I don't play competitive video games like I used to, I do play some games casually from time to time, so anything marketed exclusively towards gaming or as a "gaming keyboard" can be ignored.

Do any keyboards with these criteria come to mind?

[Muirium]

In the Deskthority of old, you would be recommended to look at Topre Realforce, Cherry's current lineup, and Unicomp; all within a couple of hours.

These days we're just a bit slower.

Honestly, Realforce is the one I'd pick. Solid, longterm keepers, and my very favourite mechanism even after all these years. My HHKB is several million words into its career without a hitch (HHKB is Topre's little 60% model, badged by PFU) and it's made of plastic throughout so a steel plate Realforce is even tougher. 100% recommend.

[Falkenroth]

Unicomp's New Model M is solid and under $200. I own a couple. Muirium defiantly has some good recommendations that meet your criteria. I even went and looked at some of his recommendations myself. Realforce peaked my interest. I personally prefer using vintage IBM Model M boards from 1985-1988 era which does not make your list. Haha.

Best of luck.

[wobbled]

Realforce is the obvious choice to me.
I wanted to like Unicomp but have had their boards fail on me previously.
A realforce will last you 20-30 years minimum as their build quality hasn’t really changed, the model M however has been cheapened significantly over the years.

[Green Maned Lion]

In Wobbled's case, I'd reccomend saving up some money and buying a Model F Projects B122.

Being serious, I wouldn't buy a Unicomp; I'd get a real M and a Soarers. Nothing beats an IBM. Bolt modded, they last forever. I'm sure Clickykeyboards has some that will suit you.

If you can't stomach used, then Unicomp. But... Older Is Better™.